chapter 6 crime scene reconstruction

STUDY

PLAY

evidence based on suggestion rather than personal knowledge or observation

crime scene reconstruction

The method used to support a likely sequence of events at a crime scene by the observation and evaluation of physical evidence and statements made by individuals involved with the incident.

direct physical evidence

an item of evidence from which an indisputable fact or detail of the events at the crime scene can be concluded

event timeline

the end product of crime scene reconstruction which shows the possible sequence of occurrences at a crime scene and the known or estimated time period in which they took place

falsifiable

the ability of a theory to be disproved by being tested against known information

inductive reasoning

the process of drawing a conclusion from premises one does not know are correct

objectivity

treating facts without influence from personal feelings or prejudices

re-enactment

the process by which investigator attempts to recreate the circumstances surrounding a particular event at the crime scene in order to observe the result and gain misinformation

testimonial evidence

written or oral statements of others' experience used by a speaker to substantiate or clarify a point

forming reconstruction theories

final steps--require team to bring together all evidence and information to form plausible theories plausible sequence of individual events -right connections must be made-portray the relationships among the victim, suspect, and crime scene- all information and evidence must fit into the overall picture -

confirming chain or custody

evidence w/o chain of custody cannot and should not be included in reconstruction-missing link on the chain of custody - unaccounted foe a period of time-could have been tampered with - any questions as to legality and authenticity of testimonial evidence it cannot be included in reconstruction

deductive reasoning

the process of drawing a conclusion based on known facts or premises

individual items of evidence are first analyzed and tested separately from all other evidence; items should not be liked or grouped together during the initial phases of the investigation. Once all items have have been evaluated this way, they may be coupled with other items of evidence that are clearly linked